Operating When Bands Are Poor
Wow! That last solar flare was something. Two tools I use when bands are poor. 1. NetLogger 2. Online SDR's. I've talked to many Hams about this, so I thought it's time to put it in writing and do a video. I operate on a net every morning and one of the best tools you can use is NetLogger if you like nets. It lets you know who is on and where you are on the checkin list. The second tool is online SDR's. It's possible to use two simultaneously.
NetLogger
We haven't been using NetLogger on the Breakfast Club Net for very long, but it's gaining traction in the club. Many other nets use it, so if you're looking for some more operating opportunities, check it out.
The download link is here, and its an easy installation. I like that it works on Windows, Mac and Linux. In the video I'm using my new Mac Mini with the M1 processor. Very fast!
Online SDR's
If you can't hear net control on the radio in front of you, try an online SDR. The net controls use online SDR's a lot and so do Hams looking for the net control operator, hi hi.
These are great tools. You can find them in just about every area in the US. I use the Utah SDR and another one in Pennsylvania that I just started using. See links below.
There are many, so tell me what is your favorite? Comment below. It'll be helpful for me and many other Hams.
Video
It started out short, but grew to 20 minutes long. I think it'll be useful for those who haven't used these tools, but especially useful to those just getting started in Ham Radio.
Thank You
Thank you for subscribing to this website. You can also follow me and my travels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
I want to thank Delores, KDØCIV for the idea to make a video on this.
What SDR's do you use?
73,
Rich, K0PIR
Sources:
MORE USEFUL LINKS
Icom 7300 Best Entry Level HF Transceiver
GREETINGS FROM NORTH FORT MYERS FLORIDA
THANKS FOR ALL YOU EFFORTS RICH. THEY HAVE CERTAINLY HELPED ME. RETIRED FIELD ENGINEER KEEPING GRAY MATTER EXCECISED.. BEEN ENJOYING RADIO SINCE AGE 15 NOW 71. NO GREAT SHAKES BUT MAKING A GOOD GO OF IT (AT LEAST I THINK S0)
73 AND KEEP IT UP! WA2AGA HOWIE
GM Howie,
Thank you so much for commenting here and thank you for subscribing to my website. I appreciate your input and hope to be of help in the future.
Take care, stay safe and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Rich: Enjoy your ham radio videos. This may be off topic but do you have a link available that explains how to interface WebSDR to DM780? Thanks. Ron M N6PAA
It’s nice to hear from you Ron and thank you for commenting.
I have not used an online SDR with digital modes yet. I am curious though if it will work. I would imagine changing the soundcard in DM780 to the correct input (webSDR).
GL and thank you again. Best wishes and 73!